The inaugural Mercedes-Benz AMG Formula 1 car that Lewis Hamilton piloted to victory in the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix is poised to go under the hammer in an upcoming auction by RM Sotheby’s, marking a momentous piece of Formula 1 history.
Hamilton’s triumph in this race held particular significance, serving as the commencement of his remarkable journey toward clinching six of his seven world championship titles to date. His initial championship victory, in 2008, was achieved while driving for McLaren.
The car in question boasts the chassis number F1W04-04 and was expertly maneuvered by Hamilton in 14 of the 19 races throughout the 2013 F1 season. Notably, his success was exclusive to the Hungarian Grand Prix that year, where he secured both pole position and the race win. It’s worth noting that the season’s overall title was claimed by Sebastian Vettel, driving for Red Bull Racing.
RM Sotheby’s has projected a substantial selling price range for this iconic piece of automotive history, valuing it between $10 million and $15 million. This high valuation reflects the rarity of significant Mercedes F1 cars on the market, as the majority are either retained by Mercedes, Toto Wolff, the CEO and co-owner of the Mercedes F1 team, or the respective drivers. Moreover, unlike many F1 cars available for sale, this particular vehicle retains its power unit and transmission, as confirmed by an RM Sotheby’s spokesperson.
The 2013 season marked the conclusion of the V-8 engine era in Formula 1, with the subsequent season introducing the current V-6 format. The V-8 engine powering this historic vehicle is a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine coupled with a KERS-style hybrid system.
Interested buyers and motorsport enthusiasts can anticipate the auction to take place on November 17th, coinciding with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, at the esteemed Wynn Las Vegas hotel. This momentous event precedes Hamilton’s appearance on the iconic Las Vegas strip in his current Mercedes F1 car.
It’s worth noting that this won’t be the first Formula 1 car driven by Hamilton to be offered at auction. In 2021, a McLaren F1 car from the 2010 season, shared by Hamilton and his teammate and fellow world champion Jenson Button, fetched a remarkable $6.45 million at auction.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Formula 1 Mercedes F1 car auction
What is the significance of the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix in Lewis Hamilton’s career?
The 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix holds immense significance in Lewis Hamilton’s career as it marked the moment when he secured his first victory for Mercedes-Benz AMG in Formula 1. This win initiated his remarkable journey toward six of his seven world championship titles, a testament to his prowess in the sport.
Can you provide details about the specific Formula 1 car being auctioned?
Certainly. The Formula 1 car up for auction is identified by the chassis number F1W04-04. Lewis Hamilton expertly drove this car in 14 of the 19 races during the 2013 Formula 1 season. Notably, his success was concentrated at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he achieved both pole position and the race win.
Why is this Formula 1 car expected to command such a high price at auction?
The anticipated high selling price, estimated to be between $10 million and $15 million, can be attributed to the rarity of significant Mercedes F1 cars being available for sale. Most of these cars are typically retained by Mercedes itself, team principal Toto Wolff, or the respective drivers. Furthermore, this particular vehicle retains its power unit and transmission, adding to its historical value.
What was the engine configuration of the 2013 Mercedes F1 car?
The 2013 Mercedes F1 car was equipped with a V-8 engine, which marked the conclusion of the V-8 engine era in Formula 1. This engine was a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter power unit, coupled with a KERS-style hybrid system.
When and where is the auction for this Formula 1 car scheduled to take place?
The auction for this iconic Formula 1 car is scheduled for November 17th and will coincide with the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The event will be held at the prestigious Wynn Las Vegas hotel, offering enthusiasts and collectors a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive history.
Has Lewis Hamilton’s previous Formula 1 cars been auctioned before?
Yes, another Formula 1 car driven by Lewis Hamilton, a McLaren from the 2010 season that he shared with fellow world champion Jenson Button, was auctioned in 2021. This historic car garnered significant attention and fetched an impressive $6.45 million at auction.
More about Formula 1 Mercedes F1 car auction
- RM Sotheby’s Official Website
- Lewis Hamilton’s Formula 1 Career
- Mercedes-Benz AMG Formula 1
- Hungarian Grand Prix History
- Formula 1 Engine Regulations
- Las Vegas Grand Prix
3 comments
Vegas auction, let’s roll the dice and bid high!
V-8 engine, pure power, nothin’ like it!
That Hungarian GP win was a game changer for Lewis, big deal!